What Is Baby Acne? What It Looks Like, Causes, and Care Tips
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What is baby acne?
Baby acne is a temporary skin condition causing small red bumps and pus-filled spots on a baby's face, chest or back before 2 months of age, likely from hormonal changes around birth. [1] It usually clears on its own within a couple of weeks without scarring. [1] Wash gently with warm water and never squeeze the bumps. [1] See a provider for fever. [1]
Key Takeaways
Baby acne is common and harmless, affecting nearly 20% (more than 1 in 5) of healthy U.S. newborns. [1]
It causes small red-to-purple bumps (papules) and pus-filled bumps (pustules) — never blackheads. [1]
Breakouts appear on the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, scalp, neck, chest, and back, usually around 2 weeks of age. [1]
The cause is likely hormonal: placenta hormones may increase the baby's sebum (oil) production and clog pores. [1]
It clears on its own within a few days to a couple of weeks — sometimes up to a month — without scarring. [1]
No treatment is required; gentle warm-water washing and avoiding oily products help. [1]
See a provider if acne starts after 2 months, includes blackheads, lasts past a few weeks, or comes with blisters, peeling, fever, fussiness, or feeding problems. [1]
What the research says
The cause is still not fully settled — skin yeast may play a smaller role than once thought. In a study that sampled 104 newborns, Malassezia yeast colonization rose from 5% in the first week of life to 30% at 2 to 4 weeks, and 26 babies were diagnosed with neonatal cephalic pustulosis; colonization in affected babies (20.8%) was not higher than in healthy newborns (37%), and no correlation was found with the disease. (Ayhan et al., J Am Acad Dermatol, 2007) [2]
Some babies with pustules on the face respond to an antifungal cream. In a small series, Malassezia furfur yeasts were seen on pustule smears in 8 of 13 neonates with facial pustules, and twice-daily 2% ketoconazole cream was effective within 1 week. (Rapelanoro et al., Arch Dermatol, 1996) [3]
Neonatal acne clears by itself. A 2024 clinical review in American Family Physician states that neonatal acne is self-limited, whereas infantile acne may benefit from treatment, and that milia can be told apart from neonatal acne because they are present at birth. (Snyder and Voelckers, Am Fam Physician, 2024) [4]
What Is Baby Acne?
Baby acne is a common and short-term skin condition that causes acne breakouts to form on your baby's face or chest. Similar to adult acne, symptoms of baby acne include pimples, little bumps, or pustules on your baby's skin. It usually only lasts a few days to a couple of weeks. [1]
Some babies are born with pimples or blemishes on their skin, while others develop acne in their first few weeks of life. Baby acne is harmless and usually goes away on its own without treatment. [1]
Baby acne is also known by other names: newborn acne, neonatal acne, and neonatal cephalic pustulosis. [1]
How Common Is Baby Acne?
Baby acne can affect any newborn before they turn 2 months old. It is common, affecting nearly 20% — more than 1 in 5 — healthy newborns in the United States. [1]
What Does Baby Acne Look Like?
Baby acne can be present at birth or show up on your baby's skin before they turn 2 months old. It can look similar to mild adolescent or adult acne. [1]
Feature | Description |
Papules | Small, red-to-purple bumps that are swollen |
Pustules | Bumps that contain pus, surrounded by a red-to-purple or dark brown ring |
Blackheads | NOT present with baby acne — if you see blackheads, it is a different condition |
Visibility | The acne may look more visible when your baby cries |
Where Does Baby Acne Appear?
Baby acne is common on your child's face, chest, and back. Specifically, it can affect these areas:
Common area | Location on the body |
Cheeks | The most typical spot |
Nose | Tip and sides |
Forehead | Upper face |
Chin | Lower face |
Scalp | Hairline and scalp |
Neck | Front and sides |
Chest and back | Below the face |
What Are the Stages of Baby Acne?
Baby acne can appear suddenly or develop slowly. Pimples can start as small, discolored dots on your baby's skin before turning into raised pimples. As the inflammation of the pimples reduces, so does their size. The pimples are temporary and usually go away within a few days to a couple of weeks — after which your baby's skin will be blemish-free. [1]
What Causes Baby Acne?
The exact cause of baby acne is unknown. [1] Acne is usually the result of clogged pores — when pores clog, a pimple can develop.
Providers suspect that baby acne is the result of hormonal changes that affect your newborn during birth or in the first few weeks of life. Hormones in the placenta can affect how your baby's skin produces sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that the sebaceous glands in your baby's skin make to protect their skin and hair. Too much sebum can clog pores and lead to acne. [1]
In addition, babies have sensitive skin when they are born. Their skin may react negatively to anything left on it for too long — especially food, vomit, or drool residue. [1]
Does Breastfeeding Cause Baby Acne?
It is possible that hormones from a parent's breast milk can affect your baby's hormones and contribute to acne. [1] But baby acne is a temporary skin condition that clears up, most often without any medical treatment — and this should not affect the way you feed your newborn. [1] Baby acne will go away as your newborn grows and their body adjusts to their new environment. If you have questions about how breast milk affects your newborn's skin, talk to your healthcare provider.
Do Kisses Cause Baby Acne?
No. Affectionate kisses on your baby's cheeks when they are born do not cause baby acne. [1] It is usually the result of hormonal changes that cause their pores to temporarily clog.
Is Baby Acne the Same as Infantile Acne?
While both conditions have the same symptoms, the difference between baby acne and infantile acne is when they affect your child.
Feature | Baby acne | Infantile acne |
Typical onset | On average around 2 weeks of age (some are born with it) | Between 2 months and 1 year of age |
Symptoms | Papules and pustules; no blackheads | Pustules and bumps PLUS blackheads |
Duration | Clears within weeks | Can take longer to clear up |
Action needed | Usually none | If acne appears after 2 months of age, visit a healthcare provider |
How Is Baby Acne Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider can examine your baby's skin to make a baby acne diagnosis. Testing is not necessary to diagnose this condition. [1]
Because the condition is harmless, you do not need to get a formal diagnosis unless you are concerned about how the acne is affecting your baby's skin, or if your baby has additional symptoms. [1]
How Is Baby Acne Treated?
Baby acne is a temporary condition that goes away without treatment. [1] Every baby's skin is different, so if a healthcare provider recommends treatment, it could include:
Option | How it is used |
Antifungal cream (e.g., ketoconazole) | Applied to the baby's skin |
Low-potency topical steroid (e.g., hydrocortisone) | Applied to the baby's skin |
These products can be applied to your baby's skin as you would a lotion or moisturizer. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions on how often to apply these medications.
Are There Home Remedies for Baby Acne?
Talk to your baby's healthcare provider before using any products on your baby's acne. Sometimes, at-home remedies can irritate your newborn's delicate skin. [1]
If your baby has acne, you can help it go away by taking care of your newborn's skin:
Care step | Why it helps |
Gently wash your baby's skin with warm water, then pat dry | Keeps skin clean without harshness |
Avoid scrubbing the skin | Scrubbing irritates delicate newborn skin |
Don't use lotions, oils, or pore-clogging products | Greasy products can aggravate the breakouts |
Clean up food residue or vomit right away | Residue left on the skin can trigger reactions |
If your baby's acne is not going away, or if it gets worse after a couple of weeks, contact their healthcare provider. [1]
How Long Does Baby Acne Last?
Baby acne could clear up on its own within a few days to a couple of weeks. The timeline could be faster if a healthcare provider recommends a topical medication. [1] Sometimes, it could take up to a month before baby acne clears up. [1] If your baby's acne is not clearing up, talk to their healthcare provider.
What Can I Expect If My Baby Has Acne?
Baby acne is a harmless skin condition that resolves on its own. It does not require medical care, and there are no complications from the condition. [1] It could take a few weeks for your baby's blemishes to go away. Scarring is unlikely, and your baby will have smooth skin once the pimples resolve. [1]
Make sure your baby's acne is not aggravated by oily skin care products like lotions. Simply use warm water to gently clean your baby's skin and then pat it dry. Avoid scrubbing, as it can irritate the skin. [1] Within a few days to a few weeks, your baby's skin will clear up completely.
Can Baby Acne Be Prevented?
There is no way to prevent baby acne. [1] However, you can help your newborn's acne clear up by following good skin-care habits:
Helpful habit | Detail |
Wash gently at least once daily | Use warm water |
Clean the face after eating | Remove any residue when they are finished eating |
Skip greasy skincare products | No lotions or oils that can aggravate the skin |
Never squeeze or pop pimples | Protects the delicate skin from irritation and damage |
When Should I See My Baby's Healthcare Provider?
Contact your baby's healthcare provider if their acne does not clear up after a few weeks. [1] Also visit their provider if your baby experiences other symptoms, including:
Warning sign | What to watch for |
Blisters | Fluid-filled bumps (not typical of baby acne) |
Peeling skin | Skin coming off in flakes or sheets |
Fussiness | Unusual irritability |
Fever | Elevated temperature |
Feeding difficulties | Trouble nursing or taking a bottle |
What Questions Should I Ask My Baby's Doctor?
Helpful questions to ask your baby's doctor include: How do I help my baby's acne go away? What kind of soap can I use to wash my baby's skin? How often do I put topical medication on my baby's acne? Are there side effects to the topical medication used to treat baby acne?
Conclusion
Baby acne is one of the most reassuring skin conditions parents encounter — despite the bumps on your newborn's delicate cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, scalp, neck, chest, or back, it is entirely harmless. [1] It affects nearly 20% of healthy newborns in the U.S. [1], appears on average around 2 weeks of age (or even at birth), and clears on its own within a few days to a couple of weeks without scarring. [1]
The bumps come from hormonal changes — placenta hormones likely boosting your baby's oil production and temporarily clogging pores [1] — not from anything you did. Kisses do not cause it, and breastfeeding does not need to stop. [1] The best care is gentle: warm water, a soft pat-dry, no lotions or oils, and never squeezing. [1] See a provider if the acne appears after 2 months of age, includes blackheads, lingers past a few weeks, or arrives with blisters, peeling skin, fever, fussiness, or feeding difficulties. [1] And if you create parenting or health education materials, Rinnit's infographic templates can help you turn newborn skin-care topics like this one into clear, visual guides for your audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is baby acne in simple terms?
Baby acne is a common, harmless skin condition that causes acne-like breakouts — small red-to-purple bumps (papules) and pus-filled bumps (pustules) — on a newborn's face, chest, or back. [1] It usually appears around 2 weeks of age and clears on its own within a few days to a couple of weeks. [1]
How common is baby acne?
Baby acne is very common, affecting nearly 20% — more than 1 in 5 — healthy newborns in the United States. [1]
What does baby acne look like?
Baby acne looks similar to mild adolescent or adult acne: small swollen red-to-purple bumps, sometimes with a white pus center surrounded by a red-to-purple or dark brown ring. It never includes blackheads, and it may look more visible when the baby cries. [1]
What causes baby acne?
The exact cause is unknown, but providers suspect hormonal changes around birth — hormones in the placenta can increase the baby's sebum (oil) production, and too much sebum clogs pores and forms pimples. [1] Residue from food, vomit, or drool can also irritate a newborn's sensitive skin. [1]
Does breastfeeding cause baby acne?
It is possible that hormones in a parent's breast milk can contribute, but baby acne is temporary and clears on its own — this should not affect the way you feed your newborn. [1]
Do kisses cause baby acne?
No. Affectionate kisses on your baby's cheeks do not cause baby acne. [1] It results from hormonal changes that temporarily clog their pores.
Can I pop my baby's pimples?
No. Never squeeze or pop the pimples [1] — it can irritate your baby's delicate skin. Let them clear on their own.
How do I treat baby acne at home?
No treatment is needed — it goes away on its own. Support it with gentle care: wash your baby's skin with warm water at least once a day, pat dry (no scrubbing), avoid lotions, oils, and pore-clogging products, and clean up food or vomit residue right away. [1] Talk to your provider before using any products. [1]
Does baby acne need medication?
Usually not. If a provider recommends treatment, it may include an antifungal cream such as ketoconazole or a low-potency topical steroid such as hydrocortisone, applied like a lotion and used according to the provider's instructions. [1]
How long does baby acne last?
Baby acne typically clears within a few days to a couple of weeks — sometimes up to a month. [1] If it is not clearing, talk to your healthcare provider.
Will baby acne leave scars?
No. Scarring is unlikely, and your baby's skin will be smooth and blemish-free once the pimples resolve. [1]
How is baby acne different from infantile acne?
Timing. Baby acne appears around 2 weeks of age (some are born with it) and clears within weeks, while infantile acne appears between 2 months and 1 year, can include blackheads, and takes longer to clear. [1] If your child gets acne after 2 months of age, visit a healthcare provider. [1]
When should I worry about my baby's skin?
See a provider if the acne does not clear up after a few weeks, or if your baby has blisters, peeling skin, fussiness, fever, or feeding difficulties. [1]
Related Reading
References
Cleveland Clinic. Baby Acne. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated December 1, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17822-baby-acne
Ayhan M, Sancak B, Karaduman A, et al. Colonization of neonate skin by Malassezia species: relationship with neonatal cephalic pustulosis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;57(6):1012-1018. PMID 17889963. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2007.02.030
Rapelanoro R, Mortureux P, Couprie B, et al. Neonatal Malassezia furfur pustulosis. Arch Dermatol. 1996;132(2):190-193. PMID 8629828. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8629828/
Snyder KAM, Voelckers AD. Newborn skin: part I. Common rashes and skin changes. Am Fam Physician. 2024;109(3):212-216. PMID 38574210. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38574210/
Medical disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
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